Will I be Fit by Forty?

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Week 60 Weigh In

Change this week: -0.8
Total lost:  81.4
Weight Loss Percentage:  27.61%


Had a really good week this week.  Got a good number of activity points in and ate pretty good.  My mini-goal is still to get under 200 pounds - but I don't think it's realistic to think it's going to happen by Labor Day.  

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Saturday Update

Ran 3.4 miles this morning.  I really should have gotten up earlier to run as it would have been a very nice, cool morning to run.  I just couldn't bring myself to get out of bed.

I am very proud of myself that I did go.  It would have been really easy to just stay at home on the couch - but I did get up and go.

I ran a different route today.  I ran the Fitness/Wilderness trail around the FAC in Shelbyville.  It's a little over a mile loop and I ran it three times.  I did walk some - but I feel so much better when I run/walk.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Friday Update

Did my Kettlebell class today.  I'm still LOVING it.

I think I've realized why I like the class so much.  It's such a challenge for me.  It's all new stuff that I've never, ever, ever, done before in my life.  Dave will tell us what we are going to do and my first thought is - there is no way that I can do that!  I can't do squats with other things for 2 minutes straight!!

And then, you know what, I do!  My body can do these workouts.  I'm pouring sweat, my muscles are shaking and I can hardly get my breath, but I do it.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Week 59 Weigh In

Change this week: -0.2
Total lost:  80.6
Weight Loss Percentage:  27.34%


Not a huge loss this week, but I'm still pleased.  I had a rough weekend with my eating.  Hope I can make more changes this week to keep the numbers going down.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Tuesday Update

Went to my Kettlebell class today.  It was a hard one!

We did a circuit - starting with those big ropes that you move back and forth, then two handed kettlebell swings, then the bungee cord type ropes to work the arms, then squat thrusts (I HATE those!!!) and then these rings from the ceiling that we help onto, leaned back and had to pull ourselves up.

We did the circuit four times - took a two minute break and then did it all again.

Wow - it really worked my arms - and it was HARD!

But, I noticed that I was able to keep up.  And I also noticed that as much as I hate the squat thrusts, I'm getting better at them.

I'm still surprised at how much I love this class.

Monday Update

I had musical rehearsal Monday night that got done about an hour earlier then I expected.  Because of this, I was able to get in 3.5 miles on the treadmill.  I ran some and walked some.

I did notice that I had the TM set at 4.5 for my runs and it wasn't all that difficult.  I think I'm getting stronger.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Saturday Update

Got out and did 3 miles on the track tonight.

I did some running and some walking.  I really pushed myself on the runs - I tried to run as fast I could for the distance I was going to be doing.  I did think I was going to throw up on more then one occasion.

The really amazing thing was that I averaged 13 minute miles.  This is very fast for me.  (it's very slow for most people)  I'm pretty sure that is the fastest I've ever run 3 miles.

I'm going to continue working on this run/walk thing to see where this takes me.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Friday Update

Went to my Kettlebell class again this morning.

I'm really loving this class.  It's challenging - but in a good way.  I moved up a bell size again today on a couple of the exercises.

I sweat more in that class then when I run which is amazing since I sweat profusely on my runs.

I really want to figure out a way to afford this class after my month LivingSocial deal runs out.  I may have to look at finances again this weekend and see if I can work it out.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Wednesday Report

Did my kettlebell class again tonight.  I actually moved up in bell size on a couple of the exercises.  This class was VERY full - at least 20 people.  I think I like going better in the morning when there isn't as many people.

Week 58 Weigh In

Change this week: -1.0
Total lost:  80.4
Weight Loss Percentage:  27.27%


I'm pleased with the pound - I'm continuing to go in the right direction.  The only bad thing is I've now lost another point which means that's 7 points worth of food I can't eat this week.  It's not that bad of a problem to have.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Tuesday Report

Finally did something today.  I had dance rehearsal for Cinderella on Sunday and then rehearsal last night and ran out of time to do any exercise.

Tonight I did a 60 minute tempo run on the treadmill.  I really like tempo runs as they make the time go really fast.

When I run on the treadmill I watch TV on Hulu.  I've mostly been watching The Biggest Loser and I finally fished the last season tonight.  I cried more watching this season then I ever have.  Maybe it's because I'm going through the same journey those contestants were or maybe it's because I'm just really hormonal.

Now I have to figure out what I'm going to watch for the rest of the summer.

Perfectionism

I knew that becoming a mom would require me to confront parts of me that I don't like very much or don't want to think about.

One of those things for me is my tendency for perfectionism.

I've been watching my son, Alex, deal with being a perfectionist for almost five years now.

(Ok - side note - it's amazing to me how much Alex and I are exactly the same even though he is not my biological child.  Nature vs. nurture?  If I still had some brain cells to smoosh together I'd have a whole discussion about that topic.  But for now, I'll just say that my son is almost exactly like me.)

I've watched him not be willing to try something new because he was afraid that he wouldn't do it perfectly.  Things that I know he would love to do - go down a big slide - play a sport - dance with a group - he just gets paralyzed with fear.  When he is coloring a picture he will get frustrated and throw it away if he slightly goes outside of the lines.  It's so hard as a parent to watch your child struggle with this.  I try to model not coloring perfectly - and talk with him about how he doesn't have to be perfect - and that you can't be perfect and win at everything.  He still doesn't get it.

And I now realize I really don't either.

My house is an absolute mess - I'm a packrat and I have a hard time throwing things away.  I have these pictures in my mind of how my house would look if it was all organized.  I picture baskets with purposes - bins with cute labels - perfection.  My house doesn't look that way because I never start doing it.  I don't have time to make it perfect so I just don't do anything.

And I've come to realize that I haven't tried certain activities in the past because I was pretty sure I wouldn't be perfect - or the best - at it.

I've been so embarrassed at my running speed.  People talk about how they had a slow horrible run - but they are still running 10 minute miles.  10 minute miles would have me passed out on the side of the road after 1/2 mile.  I'm having a great run at 13 minute miles.  My slow runs are at 14 - 15 minute miles.  There are times when I've felt like stopping because I'm not perfect at it.  It's been a constant battle with my brain to just keep going.

It's one of the reasons why I'm so proud of myself for doing this kettlebell class.  This was something I knew nothing about. (let's face it - we all know how to run - and the first four months of my running was in my house on my treadmill - no one was watching me)  I was going to have to be in a room with other people who would be able to watch me - and possibly realize that I was doing something not perfect.  It's been hard for me - but I thought I had a big breakthrough.

Then this weekend happened and I realized that I still have a lot of work to do in this area.

I just looked up the results from the Barnyard Dash.  I came in fourth to last.  I was almost last.  And it really has bothered me.  Why?  I'm not sure - what does it matter if I came in 10th, 100th or 218th out of 221.  I know it shouldn't.....but it does.

Guess I still have some work to do.

Sunday, June 12, 2011

NSV

NSV = Non Scale Victory

On this journey you can't just look at the scale.  The scale is just a hunk of metal that can be really mean sometimes.

There are other things that need to be noticed especially when the scale isn't being very nice.

I had a NSV today.

I'm currently in rehearsals for the latest musical I'm involved in.  (Cinderella - I play one of the stepsisters!!)  I thought I had my costumes all taken care of until we decided that it probably made sense for the two stepsisters to wear matching dresses for the wedding scene.  (we are the bridesmaids for Cinderella)

Tonight we went up to the costume room to see if a group of matching dresses were made for a show last year would work.  I was a little nervous - I've never been able to go into a costume room and find something to fit me.

And tonight I did!  I actually pulled a dress off of the rack and it fit.  I was in shock!

Race Report - Barnyard Dash (10K)

On Saturday, June 11, 2011 I ran the 9th Annual Barnyard Dash 10K at Huber's in Starlight, Indiana.

When I signed up for this race I was a little worried about doing a 10K only three weeks after my half marathon.  My recovery from that race went much better then I ever expected.  I didn't expect to be recovering from kettlebell!

I went to this race with my friend Tami.  We had a nice drive up to Huber's that morning.  I ate my banana (which has become my tradition before a race now) and we picked up our race numbers and shirts.  (they are BRIGHT pink!! Jay asked me if it came with its own battery!)

This was a much smaller race then the ones I had done up to now (300 or so runners compared to the 1,000s in the other races).  It was kind of nice to not have as many people to deal with.

The race started and I immediately realized that I was already pretty much at the very back of the pack.  All of a sudden I got scared that I was going to come in last.  I don't know why that would bother me so much - but it's one of the things I'm the most scared of.

I started out way too fast.  I could just tell - but I couldn't get myself to slow down.

It was a hot day when we started (8:00 am start was a little late for my liking) and I knew I was going to have a tough time right from the start.  By mile 2 1/2 I started walking.  I've come to realize that I just can't handle the heat.  When I get overheated I have a hard time getting my breath and I just tire out.  It might be that I'm not hydrating correctly - or I it just might be that I have a lot of weight I still need to lose so I don't get so hot.

I decided to just suck it up - walk when I need to - and just walk fast.

For the first time, I decided to really try to pass certain people.  I would pick out someone far ahead of me that was walking/running slowly and work to pass them.  I have to admit that it felt really good when I was able to pass them.

I also realized about half way through the race that even though I was walking for quite a bit, I was still maintaining a really good average pace.  Around mile 4 1/2 I realized that I could possible PR (personal record) this race.

I just kept at it - walking some - running some - and trying to maintain as fast of a pace as I could.

I finally crossed the finish line and knew that I was close.  I couldn't remember my official 10K time from the spring so I had to wait until I got home to know for sure.

I found my friends (both Tami and my friends from Runtheville ), got some water, a banana and some strawberries and sat down to wait for the door prizes.  This race was started by a running store in Southern Indiana and they give out cash!  This year they were giving 10 $50 bills.  Unfortunately, none of us won any money, but it was kind of fun to see people winning the money.

Results - Time - 1:24:44 (21 seconds slower then my last 10K) Average Pace - 13:25

Observations:

1.  I used to think that run/walkers were annoying.  I'm now beginning to realize that I might be able to go "faster" if I started running and walking my races.  I may need to start looking into this more.

2.  I think I've finally realized that I'm a runner.  Me....I'm a runner!  I did a 10K without even really thinking about it.  6.2 miles - no problem!

3.  Strawberries after a race are really good!!!!

4.  I think I need to get a hydration belt or one of those hand held water bottles.  There were not enough water stops in this race (only two!) and I think if I would have had water with me it would have helped.

(I don't have any pictures from this race because I'm stupid and didn't take any!)

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Geist Half Marathon - Race Report

(This is the race report I wrote just after running my first half marathon on May 21, 2011)


This whole week I’ve been a nervous wreck. I think part of it was the uncertainty. A lot of it was that my whole family was going to be there. My brother (who runs 2-3 halfs a year) was going to run the race with me, my sis-in-law and mom and dad (as well as my husband and son) were also going to be there.  I just wanted to finish - and not get picked up by the slow bus. L:( 

We got to Nobelsville, IN by 1:30 Friday afternoon. We couldn’t get into our room which stressed me out (traveling with a five year old will do that to you). We finally got into our room and immediately went to into the pool. After about 30 minutes I realized my iPhone started randomly playing J. Lo’s On the Floor. I soon realized that my iPhone wasn’t working right. I freaked out - how was I going to play my music and have my Runmeter work???? I got changed, (where I realized that I had still had my underwear on underneath my bathing suit - seriously? who does that????) and went to the Verizon store that was close. They couldn’t figure it out so they sent me back into Indy to the Apple Store. I cried the whole way. (can you say stressed?) W:() 

They figured out that I had way too many apps open in the background and I had hosed the memory. They got me fixed and I calmed down just a bit.

Packet pickup was very smooth Friday night. It was pretty cool to walk over to the half marathon section instead of the 5K section. 

My brother and I decided to meet at 6:30 to get down to the parking lot before walking down to the start. It was a nice morning - clear and not too hot. We made our way to the start line. My brother wanted to start with me and he said he was going to run with me. I knew that wouldn’t work as he runs much faster then I do. I didn’t want him to pull back and I was afraid that I would try to run too fast. I was pretty emotional at this point. I still couldn’t believe I was doing this and doing it with my brother.




Chris and I before the race

Just before the race started we noticed a couple ahead of us - you know - one of those that just makes you want to tell them to get a room. They were all over each other and then I noticed that they had a scarf tied around their wrists connecting them together.  Are you kidding me?   

The race started - at about the .25 mile mark I convinced my brother to just go on. He was gone and I was on my own. The first three miles were nice and easy. My pace was pretty good (a little fast - but not too much). I saw my mom, dad, sis-in-law and her parents at the 3 mile mark. My mom was crying - which made me very emotional and it took me about a half a mile to recover.

The course was mostly through residential areas - and really nice residential areas. I found myself looking at the houses and not paying attention to my running. At this point it was getting warmer and warmer and warmer - and there was NO breeze. Luckily it was mostly in the shade at this point. At about mile 4.5 I finally passed scarf couple. Which was good because they were really annoying me at this point. :wink: 

I was still doing well. Taking water and Gatorade whenever it was offered. I was also taking my sports beans every couple of miles. There were people along the course - but not a ton. At this point all I could think about was how you guys would all have to come run this course as it seemed so flat to me!

Then mile 7 - 8 came. This was where the BIG hill on the course was supposed to happen. The hill started going up - and I thought it didn’t seem too bad. Then the second part of the hill came and I walked for the first time. I walked for about a quarter of a mile. 

I started running again. At about mile 9 I started hitting my wall (2 miles later then the Papa Johns!). I was SO hot - and my butt was really starting to tighten up. Around mile 9 there were water misters every few miles. That was a really nice touch. One homeowner made his own mister out of his garden hose and it was the best yet. In fact, one of the guys running near me at that point said, “There is a special place in heaven for that guy!”

From miles 10 - 12 I walked more then ran. I was a little disappointed in myself and my body was just tired. And hot - have I mentioned that yet? At mile 11 I realized that I was getting a blister on the back of my right foot. I have never experienced any foot issues before and I kind of freaked out. I stopped and pulled my sock up a little bit and it felt better so I calmed down. About this time I was getting passed by old people walking when I was trying to run. I can’t tell you how discouraging that is! It was during this time that my GPS/Runmeter started going crazy. Previous to this, I was running around 13:30 miles. When I started walking it thought I was doing 10 minute miles. Um....I don’t think so.

Runmeter thought I was done with the race already. My brother met me at about ¼ of a mile left. My mom and dad and sis-in-law were there as well. I sprinted the last bit and was so happy to cross the finish line!!!! I also had to bite my lip pretty hard for the last ½ mile or so to try not to cry. I’m such an emotional basket case.:crybaby: 

I got my medal, some water, a banana and some pretzels. My whole body hurt but I have to admit I felt slightly better then I did when I finished the 10 miler.



Chris and I after the race

The really funny part was my brother was going on and on about how horrible the hills were. How this was the hardest half he had ever run (although he just did the Indy 500 half two weeks ago - so I’m sure he was still in recovery from that). I thought just the opposite! Except for the horrible hill at mile 7 ½ I thought it was pretty flat!

We had to rush back to the hotel so I could get a shower before checkout so I didn’t get to enjoy the food/beer/massages that were available. 

Did lunch and stuff with the whole family before making the 2 ½ hour ride home. I was doing pretty good except for the horrible butt cramps. :bootyshake: 

Before heading home - I put my new 13.1 sticker on the back of my car. I was so proud - I almost started crying again.







Results - Time: 3:14:27 - Average Pace: 14:51 (much slower then I wanted) - Finished 2,490 out of 2,699. I wasn’t last!!!

Observations:

1. The whole time I was running I was writing this race report in my head. I thought of all kinds of things to say - and a lot of them were really funny. You will just have to trust me on this one as I now can’t remember anything I wanted to say.

2. I need to Body Glide my WHOLE body - even if it’s not a place that normally bothers me. I don’t think I’d have the blister on my foot if I would have taken care of that.

3. Runners are some of the nicest people. (at least the ones I’ve been lucky to come across) There were two ladies that were in my hotel that talked to me this morning. The one lady has done over 100 half marathons and the other has done about 30. They gave me some good advice and when I saw them back at the hotel after the race they were so excited for me. There is also the dad of two of the kids that I’ve done musicals with that also ran the race. He has been so supportive - and even called me when it was done to congratulate me.

4. I never realized how special it would be to do this with my brother. We aren’t especially close - mostly because of the age difference. I’m so glad I decided to do this race with him. It was pretty special (and guess what - I’m crying typing this!) :crybaby: 

5. M&Ms help butt cramps (ok - maybe not really - but they certainly don’t hurt)

6. So does Cold Stone Creamery (is this the reason why I haven’t lost any weight in the past couple of weeks?)

7. My favorite sign that I saw was - “Great job Alex! Walk the dog when you get home.” Followed closely by - “Make the race your bitch.”

8. And although I’m sitting on the couch in pain - I’m ready to do another one. :D 


This was me during the last 1/4 of a mile.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Friday Report

Did my Kettlebell class again this morning.

I don't know if the trainer went easy on us on Tuesday because he didn't want to scare the newbies off, but today's workout was much harder then Tuesdays.

This class had four veterans and one other newbie.  The veterans were also huffing and puffing (yes, they were using bigger bells then me!) so I didn't feel nearly as bad.

The trainer did tell me that he thought I was using too light of a bell on one of the exercises.  I certainly didn't feel that way, but I promised him to use a heavier bell the next time.

I was also able to do the push ups and mountain climbers easier today then Tuesday.  Can't wait to start seeing the arm muscles start to pop out!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

New Exercise Class

Two weeks ago I was sitting on the couch in a funky mood.  I had gained four pounds in the past 3 1/2 weeks and just felt like I needed to shake things up.

The next day, a Living Social deal hit my inbox for a month of Kettlebell Classes.  I decided that it was the sign that I needed.  I signed up that day and had my three hour orientation class on Saturday.

Three hours......doing things I have never done before.

It was hard.

It was harder then hard.

It was painful.

And I loved it!

I couldn't walk, sit down, stand up, or go up or down stairs for the next three days.  I really thought that I would never walk normally again, let alone run.

But, my body slowly repaired itself.  I went to my first actual class on Tuesday and I couldn't believe how quickly it went.

I have another class tomorrow morning and I'm actually looking forward to it.

I'm really hoping this will be a good addition to my running.  This will really work my core and my arms which are two areas I really need to work on.

Thursday Report

Finished 2.9 miles on the treadmill.  I ran 2 miles of it.  First I've run since starting Kettlebell class and I felt great.  Looking forward to the Barnyard Dash on Friday.

Week 57 Weigh In

Change this week: -3.6
Total lost:  79.4
Weight Loss Percentage:  26.93%


This was the week I've been waiting on for about a month.  It's amazing how your body gets used to certain foods and exercise and then wants to hold onto the weight.


My mini goal for the week is to break the 80 pounds lost mark.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

About Me

My name is Kim.  


In May of 2010, I looked something like this.



Family Picture - Sanibel Island November 2009


I weighed in at 294.8 pounds - the heaviest I had ever been in my life.  


On a whim - I joined Weight Watchers at Work on May 4, 2010 and my life changed.


By August 2010 I had lost about 30 pounds and started walking on my treadmill.


In October 2010 I started the Couch to 5K program and started running.


I ran the Triple Crown of Running in the spring of 2011 - 5K, 10K, and 10 mile race.


I ran my first half marathon on May 21, 2011.

Me and my brother after finishing the Geist Half Marathon - May 21, 2011


I've been married for 16 years to my best friend and greatest supporter.  I'm also mom to the cutest five year old little guy on the planet.



Gratuitous kid photo

My journey is just beginning - come join me!